Philanthropy Friday: Making Miracles for Kids During the #MiracleMarathon

Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer.

This post was made possible through the support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. All opinions are my own.

A few weeks ago, I shared with you that I am a lead blogger for the upcoming #MiracleMarathon. The Miracle Marathon is a 27-day virtual fundraising campaign in which participants run/walk (or achieve forward motion of any kind!) one mile per day at their leisure.

As a reminder of how the #MiracleMarathon works, the first 26 days of the “marathon” are completed at your own pace—wherever and whenever you want. As my contact, Kelly Pearson, at EMHS noted, hula-hooping down the hall counts! On Day 27 (October 12th), the final 1.2 miles will be started as a “group” at 2:27 pm EST. Those last 1.2 miles is for the kids, of course.

Day 1 is on Tuesday, September 16th. If you join, you will also get a fun kit that includes a pedometer to keep track of your distance and a handy magnet you can check off the days as you complete them. Participants are also encouraged to $272, or $10 per mile via your own fundraising page. (I started mine off with a $50 donation, but could use some support! Hint, hint.)

So why should you support the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals? Besides the fact that the #MiracleMarathon is way more fun and convenient than running an actual marathon (holy training!), the funds that are raised during these 27 days will go a long way.

After talking with Kelly at EMHS in Bangor, I learned that while the network of hospitals is national, at 170 hospitals strong, the money stays in local communities. Many of us may recognize the hot air balloon logo – I’ve put my name on one at Rite Aid after a quick donation at the register – but not many realize that the money helps fund a good amount of equipment and other items necessary for the hospitals.

These aren’t wishes or direct to patient dollars. Funds help pay for new therapies a rehab specialist needs to care for a child or items needed to care for the tiniest newborns to 19-year-old patients. Money raised also helps continuing education for nurses, doctors and child life specialists, a critical piece that helps keep quality care for kids close to home so families aren’t forced to travel to larger hospitals further away.

Here’s a great image (click to enlarge) with some more info on why donations to the Miracle Marathon (and to EMHS in Bangor, in particular) really is for the kids.

Kelly told me more about that little boy Noah. His parents instilled in him a level of gratitude for all those that helped him in his journey when he was sick. He understands that anyone can get the virus he had and his experience makes him want to give back. He held his own carnival that raised $2,000 last year. He’s launching a new fundraiser in October called “nickels for Noah” where he will be competing against his 9-year old cousin to raise funds. How cool is that?

Who’s with me? I would love for you to join my team, Maine Miracles, or you can support another Children’s Miracle Network Hospital closer to you via the Miracle Marathon website. Use my special code MiracleJennifer to get a 10% discount off registration.

It’s a fun way to stay active this fall and raise some funds and awareness for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.